Adjustable lamp assembly

ABSTRACT

An adjustable lamp assembly comprising a pair of spaced parallel mounting bars adapted to be connected to a chair back by way of a pair of channel members mounted at their opposite ends, a lamp fixture connected to a support member adapted to be selectively positioned at any point along the mounting bars, the support member being pivotally adjustable with respect to the mounting bars to provide additional adjustment or to swing the lamp fixture behind the chair back when not in use.

Apr. 24, 1973 Waited States Patent Littell Y 3.065334 l 1/1962 Hillenbrand et al....i..........i......240/4 I ADJUSTABLE LAMP ASSEMBLY Primary ExaminerWilliam H. Schultz Attorney-Harvey B. Jacobson X 0 B 0 Nl 0 0 .5 I193 M W .m 0 3 m mm N3 n O t n e v m M 7 Dec. 17, 1971 Appl No; 209,295

[22] Filed:

ABSTRACT An adjustable lamp assembly comprising a pair of spaced parallel mounting bars adapted to be conncctcd to a chair back by way of a pair of channel members mounted at their opposite ends, a lamp fixture connected to a support member adapted to be selectively positioned at any point along the mounting bars, the support member being pivotally adjustable with respect to the mounting bars to provide additional adjustment or to swing the lamp fixture behind the chair back when not in use 80 8 9m 9 B7 Z-mW M6 WAZX 4 u;2 J 91, '0 m we 900 u 4 NW2 mmh .c .ur n3 "m L C 5mm UIF mum 555 References Cited UNlTED STATES PATENTS 13 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures m %4 2 8" 4 2m m u "c hk i vls md SS 76 95 009 NH 45 47 29 4 004 57 2 Patented April 24, 1973 3,729,627

2 Sheet-Sheet 1 Fig. 4

Patented April 24, 1973 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 ADJUSTABLE LAMP ASSEMBLY The present invention is generally related to reading lamps and, more particularly, to an improved reading lamp assembly adapted to be easily mounted to the back of a reclining chair, or the like.

In the past, various reading lamp assemblies have been provided. However, such constructions, for the most part, were limited to a particular type of mounting or did not provide adequate means of adjusting the position of the lamp fixture. While chair-mountable lamp assemblies have been proposed, they have been limited to mounting on chair backs of particular size and configuration, such that they were not adaptable to mounting to many chairs without time-consuming or costly modification. Furthermore, once these conventional lamp constructions were installed they could not be adequately adjusted to provide the most desirable lighting conditions.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a novel adjustable lamp assembly which is easily adapted to fit to the backs of almost all chair constructions with a minimum amount of work for installation and which permits convenient adjustment of the lamp fixture position subsequent to the installation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a unique adjustable lamp assembly including a pair of spaced parallel mounting bars adapted to be mounted to a chair back to adjustably carry a travel base movable along the length of the bars to provide the most desirable lighting conditions.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a versatile adjustable lamp assembly for mounting to the back of a chair and which includes means for selectively pivoting the lamp fixture relative to the chair, such that its position'may be selectively adjusted or the lamp fixture may be swung downward behind the chair when not in use.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the adjustable lamp assembly of the present invention mounted to the back of a typical reclining chair.

' FIG. 2 is a partial elevational view of the adjustable lamp assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the adjustable lamp assembly illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along section 4-4 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along section 5 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a partial back elevation of the lamp assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the travel plate associated with the present invention.

Referring now, more particularly, to FIG. 1 of the drawings, the adjustable lamp assembly of the present invention is generally indicated by the numeral 10 and is adapted to be mounted to the back ofa chair, such as that indicated by the numeral 12. The assembly is provided with mounting straps 14 with holes therein for the passage of threaded screws 16 into engagement with the chair framework indicated by the numeral 18. Each of the mounting straps is pivotally mounted to a rigid channel member 20 by way of a rivet 22, or similar fastening means. A pair of spaced parallel mounting bars 24 are adapted to extend laterally across the chair back and are adjustably received by the chan- -nel members 20. Preferably, themounting bars are rectangular or square in cross-section and are formed of wood or other materials of comparable strength which may be easily cut to length, if required during installation. Thus, it will be appreciated that the adjustable lamp assembly of the present invention may be sold in akit form with the mounting bars being of sufficient length to accommodate the widest of chair backs. If the assembly is installed on a narrow chair back, the mounting bars may be easily cut to the required length. In addition, it should be noted that the pivotal connection of the mounting straps l4 permits proper location of the screw holes for proper alignment with the chair framework.

The mounting bars associated with the present invention provide a travel track upon which the lamp fixture, generally indicated by the numeral 26, may travel. Preferably, the lamp fixture is provided with a flexible neck 28 formed of conduit or similar flexible materials as utilized with conventional lamp constructions. The lamp is energized by way of an electrical cord 30 extending from the bottom of conduit 28 and connected to a conventional plug 32 which is pivotally mounted to the assembly at 34. The pivotal connection assures proper alignment ofthe plug with an extension cord 36, such that damage is prevented in the event the extension cord is pulled or yanked free from the lamp assembly.

Referring now, more particularly, to FIGS. 27, it will be appreciated that channel members 20 are held to the mounting bars 24 by way of a pair of threaded fasteners 38 and 40. Preferably, each channel member is formed of heavy sheet metal and includes a mounting hole 42 in alignment with the space separating the mounting bars. The threaded end of fastener 38 passes through mounting hole 42 for engagement with the threaded fastening nut 40. In addition, a washer 44 cooperates with the enlarged head portion of fastener 38 to retentatively engage the mounting bars when the threaded fasteners are sufficiently tightened. It will also be appreciated that the threaded fasteners embrace a coil compression spring 46 which is effective to disengage washer 44 from the mounting bars upon loosening the fasteners and also to maintain a predetermined spacing between the mounting bars whose opposite surfaces engage the spring convolutions. Thus, installation of the mounting straps and associated channel members may be achieved with a relative amount of ease with adjustment, sung fastening, and proper spacing being assured by the threaded fastener and coil compression spring.

The lamp fixture is connected to an outstanding flange portion 48 associated with a generally flat, rigid support member 50. The support member is connected to the mounting bars by way of a pair of threaded members S2 and 54 as best illustrated in FIG. 5. Member 54 includes an enlarged head portion 56 at one end which retentatively engages the mounting bars and a threaded portion at the opposite end which cooperates with member 52, preferably a nut r thumbscrew. The assembly is further provided with a rigid travel base 58 which is generally U shaped in cross-section with a pair of oppositely disposed portions 60 engaging the outer surfaces of the mounting bars. The travel base and support member are provided with a pair of'aligned apertures 62 through which one end of threaded member 54 passes. In addition, a cylindrical sleeve 62 with an axial bore therein is rotatably mounted to member 54 and is of a diameter approximately equal to the predetermined spacing between the mounting bars. The sleeve serves as a roller which permits easy movement of the travel block along the length of the mount ing bars after the threaded members have been loosened. Thus, the lateral position of the lamp fixture may be easily adjusted by loosening member 52 and sliding the fixture to the desired position.-

It will be appreciated that the lamp fixture 26 may be pivoted relative to the chair by selectively rotating sup port member 50 relative to travel base 58. This is achieved by way of a detent means comprising a dimple 66 formed in support member 50 which cooperates with one of several circumferentially spaced apertures 58 formed in the travel base, as best illustrated in FIGS.

and 7. Thus, by loosening threaded member 52, dimthe lamp fixture and permits the lamp fixture to be swung downward behind the chair back when not in use. If desired, additional apertures may be provided for coacting with dimple 66 to provide more positions than illustrated in FIG. 7. g

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalentsmay be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. An adjustable lamp assembly for mounting to a chair back, said assembly comprising a pair of elon gated, rigid mounting bars in spaced parallel relation to each other, a pair of rigid channel members each receiving an opposite end portion of said pair of mounting bars, a pair of relatively rigid mounting straps each pivotally connected to a different one of said channel members and adapted to be fastened to the chair back, fastening means associated with each channel member for adjusting its position along the length of said mounting bars, a travel base adjustably connected to said mounting bars for manual positioning along the length thereof between said channel members, a rigid support member removably fastened to said travel base, and a lamp fixture connected to said support member such that its position may be adjusted by movement of said travel base along said mounting bars.

2. The structure set forth in claim 1 wherein each of said channel members includes an open slot between a pair of oppositely disposed flange portions, said slot bars, and said fastenin means including first and second pairs of threade fasteners each embracing a spacer which is effective to maintain the spacing between said mounting bars.

3. The structure set forth in claim 2 wherein said mounting bars include oppositely disposed surfaces facing the space therebetween, said spacer comprising a generally cylindrically shaped member engaging said oppositely disposed surfaces to maintain the spacing between said bars. I

4. The structure set forth in claim 3 wherein said spacer comprises a coil compression spring surrounding one of said threaded fasteners.

5. The structure set forth in claim 4 wherein said first and second pairs of threaded fasteners each includes one threaded fastener which passes through a hole in the associated channel member.

6; The structure set forth in claim 1 wherein said travel base is adjustably connected to said mounting bars by a pair of threaded members and a cylindrical sleeve with an axial bore therein, one of said threaded members'passing through said axial bore and through aligned apertures in said travel base and support member, said sleeve engaging at least one of said mounting bars in the area adjacent the space therebetween.

7. The structure set forth in claim 6 wherein said sleeve is rotatably mounted to saidone threaded member and in rolling relation to said mounting bars.

8. The structure set forth in claim 7 wherein said support member and said travel base include detent means for relative rotational adjustment of said lamp fixture about said aligned apertures.

9. The structure set forth in claim 8 wherein said assembly includes an electric plug associated with said lamp fixture pivotally mounted to said support member.

10. The structure set forth in claim 8 wherein each of said channel members includes an open slot between a pair of oppositely disposed flange portions, said slot being aligned with the space separating'said mounting bars, said flange portions overlapping the mounting bars, and said fastening means including first and second pairs of threaded fasteners each embracing a spacer which is effective to maintain the spacing between said mounting bars.

11. The structure set forth in claim 10 wherein said mounting bars include oppositely disposed surfaces facing the space therebetween, said spacer comprising a generally cylindrically shaped member engaging said oppositely disposed surfaces to maintain the spacing between said bars.

12. The structure set forth in claim 11 wherein said spacer comprises a coil compression spring surrounding one of said threaded fasteners.

13. The structure set forth in claim 12 wherein said first and second pairs of threaded fasteners each includes one threaded fastener which passes through a hole in the associated channel member. 

1. An adjustable lamp assembly for mounting to a chair back, said assembly comprising a pair of elongated, rigid mounting bars in spaced parallel relation to each other, a pair of rigid channel members each receiving an opposite end portion of said pair of mounting bars, a pair of relatively rigid mounting straps each pivotally connected to a different one of said channel members and adapted to be fastened to the chair back, fastening means associated with each channel member for adjusting its position along the length of said mounting bars, a travel base adjustably connected to said mounting bars for manual positioning along the length thereof between said channel members, a rigid support member removably fastened to said travel base, and a lamp fixture connected to said support member such that its position may be adjusted by movement of said travel base along said mounting bars.
 2. The structure set forth in claim 1 wherein each of said channel members includes an open slot between a pair of oppositely disposed flange portions, said slot being aligned with the space separating said mounting bars, said flange portions overlapping the mounting bars, and said fastening means including first and second pairs of threaded fasteners each embracing a spacer which is effective to maintain the spacing between said mounting bars.
 3. The structure set forth in claim 2 wherein said mounting bars include oppositely disposed surfaces facing the space therebetween, said spacer comprising a generally cylindrically shaped member engaging said oppositely disposed surfaces to maintain the spacing between said bars.
 4. The structure set forth in claim 3 wherein said spacer comprises a coil compression spring surrounding one of said threaded fasteners.
 5. The structure set forth in claim 4 wherein said first and second pairs of threaded fasteners each includes one threaded fastener which passes through a hole in the associated channel member.
 6. The structure set forth in claim 1 wherein said travel base is adjustably connected to said mounting bars by a pair of threaded members and a cylindrical sleeve with an axial bore therein, one of said threaded members passing through said axial bore and through aligned apertures in said travel base and support member, said sleeve engaging at least one of said mounting bars in the area adjacent the space therebeTween.
 7. The structure set forth in claim 6 wherein said sleeve is rotatably mounted to said one threaded member and in rolling relation to said mounting bars.
 8. The structure set forth in claim 7 wherein said support member and said travel base include detent means for relative rotational adjustment of said lamp fixture about said aligned apertures.
 9. The structure set forth in claim 8 wherein said assembly includes an electric plug associated with said lamp fixture pivotally mounted to said support member.
 10. The structure set forth in claim 8 wherein each of said channel members includes an open slot between a pair of oppositely disposed flange portions, said slot being aligned with the space separating said mounting bars, said flange portions overlapping the mounting bars, and said fastening means including first and second pairs of threaded fasteners each embracing a spacer which is effective to maintain the spacing between said mounting bars.
 11. The structure set forth in claim 10 wherein said mounting bars include oppositely disposed surfaces facing the space therebetween, said spacer comprising a generally cylindrically shaped member engaging said oppositely disposed surfaces to maintain the spacing between said bars.
 12. The structure set forth in claim 11 wherein said spacer comprises a coil compression spring surrounding one of said threaded fasteners.
 13. The structure set forth in claim 12 wherein said first and second pairs of threaded fasteners each includes one threaded fastener which passes through a hole in the associated channel member. 